Malawi Travel Information
Known as the Warm Heart of Africa, Malawi has a thoroughly deserved reputation for the friendliness of its people. Wherever you go, you will receive a welcome which is unsurpassed anywhere else in the world.
Hundreds of miles of tropical golden sand beaches line Africa's third largest lake. Lake Malawi is a true inland sea - and tideless. Relax in the sun on an un-crowded beach, hand-feed tropical fish at the world's first freshwater National Park or enjoy the watersports available on the waves of Lake Malawi.
Malawi has an incredible variety of stunning landscapes, and its Wildlife Reserves offer true unspoilt wilderness, many of these unfenced which make the landscape truly wild.
Country Description
Malawi is a developing African nation. Tourist facilities in major cities and in resort areas are steadily improving, but remain limited. Ageing infrastructure and a lack of investment have rendered electricity, water supply, and telecommunications relatively unreliable in rural and certain city areas. Credit cards are not commonly accepted outside of major cities, namely Blantyre and Lilongwe and international ATM cards are an option in Malawi, although very limited. Dress codes against short skirts on women and long hair on men no longer exist, but travellers may wish to dress modestly, especially when visiting remote areas.
Crime Information
Even though Malawi is known as "the warm heart of Africa," both residents and visitors need to bear in mind that there is a criminal element present. Carjackings and residential break-ins are two crimes prevalent throughout Malawi. Perpetrators of these crimes are usually well armed and may resort to violence with little provocation. Petty street crime (robbery and pick-pocketing) is common, due to the extreme poverty which exists and travelers should be aware that break-ins have also occurred in hotels / lodges throughout the country.
Medical Facilities
Medical facilities are basic in urban areas and poor to non-existent in rural areas. Some medicines are in short supply or locally unobtainable, local knowledge is freely available and with such a small country and only one main road it is not impossible to locate the nearest medicinal unit. Travelers should be aware that, contrary to the frequent claims of the local tourist industry, Lake Malawi does contain the parasite schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia. HIV/AIDS is also prevalent throughout the country and protection is a must in this country.
Traffic Safety and Road Conditions
Malawi's principal highway is generally in good condition, though the lack of shoulders constitutes a safety hazard. Secondary roads are in poor repair and may be impassable to all but four-wheel drive vehicles during the rainy season (November-April). Public transportation, consisting primarily of minibuses, is unreliable and accidents are common. Given Malawi's high road accident rate, travelers should drive defensively, hooting as you approach busy areas is common and should be implemented in your driving in such areas, bicycles are also a very common sight on the Malawi road network, and avoid road travel outside cities at night or during dark areas. Road support networks for stranded drivers do not exist, the settlements on the verge of the roads are also hazardous as people, domesticated animals and children walk freely across the roads at any stage.
Police roadblocks are common, but properly-documented drivers usually pass quickly and without incident, refrain from photographing officials at these road blocks as these individuals are there for your protection and are thus not open to such intrusive behaviour. Foreigners intending to remain in Malawi for an extended period of time are expected to obtain a locally-issued driver's license.
Dangers posed by wild animals: Travelers are advised that, even in the most serene settings, wild animals can pose a threat to life and safety, lions have been viewed on the main road linking the country from North to South. Travelers are cautioned to observe local or park regulations and heed all instructions given by tour guides.
People of Malawi
Malawi derives its name from the Maravi, a Bantu people who came from the southern Congo about 600 years ago. On reaching the area north of Lake Malawi, the Maravi divided. One branch, the ancestors of the present-day Chewas, moved south to the west bank of the lake. The other, the ancestors of the Nyanjas, moved down the east bank to the southern part of the country. Alot of Portuguese and British influence has since left its mark on this nation, beautiful people with more European features than the general African look is a common sight.
Migrations and tribal conflicts precluded the formation of a cohesive Malawian society until the turn of the 20th century. In more recent years, ethnic and tribal distinctions have diminished. Regional distinctions and rivalries, however, persist. Despite some clear differences, no significant friction currently exists between tribal groups, and the concept of a Malawian nationality has begun to take hold. Predominately rural, Malawians are generally conservative and traditionally non-violent, a clear distinction between Christian and Muslim religions are apparent.
Demographics of Malawi
Malawi is situated in south-eastern Africa. The Great Rift Valley traverses the country from north to south. In this deep trough lies Lake Malawi, the third-largest lake in Africa, comprising about 20% of Malawi's area. The Shire River flows from the south end of the lake and joins the Zambezi River 400 kilometres (250 miles) farther south in Mozambique.
Malawi is one of Sub-Saharan Africa's most densely populated countries. The population of Lilongwe--Malawi's capital since 1971--exceeds 400,000, the second most visited city of Blantyre is estimated at about 140 000 by the locals. All government ministries and the Parliament are located in Lilongwe. Blantyre remains Malawi's major commercial centre and largest city.
Culture of Malawi
Though under the impact of modernization, Malawi's traditional culture is characterized by continuity as well as change. The traditional life of the village has remained largely intact. One of the most distinctive features of Malawi culture is the enormous variety of traditional songs and dances that use the drum as the major musical instrument. There are various traditional arts and crafts, including sculpture in wood and ivory which are inexpensive and some of the most beautiful available. There are two museums-the Museum of Malawi in Blantyre and a smaller one in Mangochi.
Economy of Malawi
Malawi is a landlocked, densely populated country. Its economy is heavily dependent on agriculture. Malawi has few exploitable mineral resources. Its two most important export crops are tobacco and tea. Agriculture represents 36% of the GDP, accounts for over 80% of the labour force, and represents about 80% of all exports. Nearly 90% of the population engages in subsistence farming. Smallholder farmers produce a variety of crops, including maize (corn), beans, rice, cassava, tobacco, and groundnuts (peanuts). Financial wealth is generally concentrated in the hands of a small elite.
Travel Tips for Malawi
Climate
Malawi's climate is generally subtropical. The rainy season runs from November through April. There is little to no rainfall throughout most of the country from May to October. It is hot and humid from October to April along the lake and in the Lower Shire Valley. Lilongwe is also hot and humid during these months, albeit far less than in the south. The rest of the country is warm during those months. From June through August, the lake areas and far south are comfortably warm, but the rest of Malawi can be chilly at night.
Clothing
Lightweights are worn all year in the Lake Malawi area, with warmer clothes advised in the mountains, particularly during winter and on chilly evenings elsewhere. Visitors to Nyika and Zomba should note that the nights can be cold. Dark or 'natural' coloured clothing should be worn for game viewing.
Food & Drink
Fresh fish from Lake Malawi is the country's specialty. Chambo (Tilapia fish) is the main lake delicacy. There are trout from streams on the Zomba, Mulanje and Nyika plateaux. Hotel restaurants and many of those in the cities are of a good standard. They offer a wide choice of dishes, including European, Korean and Chinese as well as authentic Malawi dishes and haute cuisine. Poultry are plentiful and tropical fruits are abundant in season. Dairy products are rarely available and powdered milk is a common occurance outside of major cities and more rural areas, cheese is an expensive treat and it would be a recommended item to pack should this be a necessity for your dietary requirements.
The local beer is very good and imported beer and soft drinks (called minerals) are available, although glass products are few and a deposit is required when purchasing good packaged within glass containers. Malawi gin, which is well known and inexpensive, and tonic have reached almost cult status. Wine is imported largely from South Africa along with a variety of fast food outlet franchises and grocery stores.
Shopping
Malawi produces a variety of colourful arts and crafts, markets are the best places to locate these fine goods. Items are invariably handmade and there is no factory production of curios. Purchases include woodcarvings, wood and cane furniture, soapstone carvings, decorated wooden articles, colourful textiles mainly from Tanzania, should you find locally produced textiles - BUY IT, pottery, beadwork, cane and raffia items are widely available. The standard of woodcarving is one of the highest in Africa, the process still largely primitive as with the construction of buildings and repairs on all technological items. The Mua Mission, south of Salima, where carvers are trained, has an excellent shop and the finest artisits in Malawi can be located here. Traditional musical instruments are also sold throughout Malawi. Markets and roadside stalls function every day as a major source of income for the people of Malawi.
Currency
Kwacha (K) = 100 tambala. Notes are in denominations of K500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of K1 and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 tambala.
Credit & debit cards
Acceptance of credit and debit cards are very limited, although the main hotels in Lilongwe and Blantyre accept Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club and American Express. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available. Cash is the easiest and most common transaction medium.
Travelers cheques
As with major currencies, including US Dollars, Euros and Sterling, travelers cheques can be exchanged in banks, hotels and other institutions. In remote areas, the Treasury Office of Local District Commissioner's offices will cash travelers cheques, although Pounds and Dollars are readily accepted in any area. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take travelers cheques in US Dollars, Euros, Pounds Sterling or South African Rand.
Vaccination Information
Yellow Fever
Vaccination International Certificate of Vaccination for Yellow Fever is required upon arrival if traveling from an INFECTED AREA. Polio and Typhoid vaccinations might be a good idea should you wish to take this route 10 days prior to arrival.
Malaria
Malaria exists throughout the year in all areas, including urban areas. Resistance to Chloroquine is confirmed. Precautionary measures are a must in all areas of Malawi and prophylaxis is recommended for visits to this country.
Please don't hesitate to contact us directly, we have visited Malawi previously and are able to provide you with up to date information at any time.
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